What is the maximum number of electrons that the second energy level can accommodate?

The second energy level, also known as the second shell, can accommodate a maximum of eight electrons. This capacity is derived from the formula for determining the maximum number of electrons in a given energy level, which is 2n², where n represents the principal quantum number of the energy level. For the second energy level, n equals 2.

Calculating this gives:

2(2)² = 2(4) = 8 electrons.

This means that the second energy level can host eight electrons in total, filling up to the maximum allowed for that shell. The distribution of these electrons occurs in sublevels: the s sublevel can hold 2 electrons, and the p sublevel can hold 6 electrons. Collectively, this allows for a full complement of 8 electrons in the second energy level, ensuring stable electron configurations for elements in this range.